Dog park??? No way. Nothing but dirt for the dogs. How Disappointing. Aren't there any nice grassy dog parks in San Marcos?

Every time I take my dogs there, the same couple is there with a very aggressive Malinois/Shepherd mix that they clearly cannot control. The male owner lets the dog run all over the park, jump on tables, and rush the entrance anytime a new dog comes in especially smaller dogs. Whenever the dog starts acting aggressively, all he does is spray it with a water bottle. Today the dog went after my puppy, and instead of immediately controlling or removing his dog, he waited for me to grab my puppy first, casually walked over, and sprayed the dog with water. A few moments later, the dog tried going after my puppy again while my puppy was literally hiding underneath a table trying to get away. When I brought up the behavior, his response was basically that my puppy "needs to get used to it," that he's "training the dog not to act that way," and that it was "just dogs being dogs." But there's a difference between normal dog behavior and an owner failing to control an aggressive dog in a public dog park. read more

Small but mighty dog park. I went there with friends to check out the park for the dog we just adopted. While small, there was plenty of room for dogs to run and play. Seemed very clean. Unfortunately, the place was empty, so no other dogs for those three to socialize with. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Husky day - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

My dog loves to go to Montiel....often we meet up with other dog families we know. My dog doesn't play with other dogs. He has a favorite ball that he likes me to throw....he runs, catches it and brings it bad to me...so I can throw it out for him to catch. read more

I used to take my pups to Montiel Dog Park back when it had grass. We absolutely loved it and would stay for hours! You could bring your camp chairs and it was cool in the shade of the trees. It used to be a really great place for owners and dogs to relax or play. A couple years ago they replaced all the grass with decomposed granite. Now it's hot and dusty and the decomposed granite is rough on paws. The grass was sooo much nicer... Too bad it was changed. We don't go there anymore. A real shame. read more

This used to be a medium sized lovely grassy dog park with lots of shade. Stopped by today after a long time away and it was a total dust bowl with piles of waste all over. So sad that city's do not continue to support a clean, peaceful place for dogs. Not sure if this was a decision from new civic officials, but clearly not friends of our four footed friends. I will not return and likely not shop here in San Marcos since I now have no reason to drive up to this area. read more

Great little dog park with a little walking trail around it! Easy to get to and park by. It's surface is decomposed granite so there's no mud or wet grass to deal with! read more

Update: no lights at this park so once the sun goes down you won't be able to see a thing. Also many dog owners here are very rude and judgmental...it is odd. I have an older dog I took here and he gets tired after 5 minutes of playing; well some lady thought it was appropriate to approach me and tell me I was a bad dog owner for only letting him stay 5 minutes.....um, excuse me I know my dog and he is tired...he gives me all his signs when he wants to leave a location. Very rude and strange another person would add their unasked-for opinion. I have been here many times and not had the best experiences with the older people who come here (in their 50s and up). read more

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Tiny dog park FULL of big dogs on a Saturday. Too many very aggressive dogs. We go to many many dog parks on our travels and my dog has never been ganged up on as aggressively as he was here. This park is way too small for big dogs!! Worst experience ever. read more

This is the closest park to us so naturally we frequent the area. There are "regulars" who you can see here often and are nice. It's now an all fort park with obstacles, two shaded bench tables, two unshaded bench seats, water bottle refill station as well as water for the dogs. There are also two bag stands for waste. Parking is usually pretty easy to find but can get full since the park is attached to a nice trail and disc golf course. It's an all size park with no lighting at night. Overall a good spot to burn off some quick energy. read more

Small dog park. Definitely regulars there with dogs that are used to each other. My dog wanted to fight so we stayed on the outside. It's next to a frisbee course as well. Looked like fun. It's nice and well maintained. read more

Very nice park , nice trails go early to avoid big dog rush . People were friendly all around. read more

Montiel Dog Park - The park is a nice quiet space at the right time . - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Bring back the grass! Or come up with another ground cover option rather than dirt, especially since it's a smaller, more manageable space. I've been to parks where they do a great job with a natural bark layer to break up the dirt. This park now smells terrible and get so muddy. It used to be an awesome close spot to run the pups and socialize. read more

It's a very small dirt park with lots of big dogs. So if you have a small dog,skip this park. I wish they would make a small place for small dogs at this park. read more

I can't believe we hadn't been here before. The people were really chill, the dogs were all sweet and played together regardless of size, and there was plenty of space for the dogs to run. What more can you ask for? read more

Great starter disc golf park. 9 holes easy to find Tpads. Highly recommend that you go early before it gets too hot.

I've came to the park every Sunday for the past 6 months and it's such a great park! People are very considerate about picking up after their dogs, so it's usually pretty clean. They added new turf inside and it's made the park look much better, and my puppy absolutely loves rolling around on it. The park has two different water fountains, for dogs and humans. Also has trash stations and poop bags, along with several benches around the park and two picnic. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars are because of the rude people we've met here. If you don't want your dog around other dogs, DON'T come here! And do NOT hit my dog because he's trying to play with yours at the dog park. Still one of the best dog parks around the area. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I'll keep this short and to the point. 90% of the people who bring their dogs here need leashes themselves. Some of the rudest humans I've encountered as well as some of the most aggressive misbehaved dogs. Goes hand in hand though I guess. If you have a friendly dog and don't enjoy seeing them get bullied or assaulted I'd avoid this place. Almost all dirt now anyway read more

It was our first time bringing our pooches to this dog park and we all left pleased! It is a fairly large, securely fenced area that will soon be all grass. There are spots to sit in the shade for the owners, but I recommend bringing a small rag with you to wipe off the dirt from doggy feet. I sat and did some homework while my pups had a blast socializing. There is water fountains and lots of soggy tennis balls around. *The park is now going to be closed until October 31st due to the new grass needing time to settle in.* read more

Montiel Dog Park - Closed to let the turf establish - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Small but great space. Plenty of shade from trees including a sitting areas. Two water fountains for both humans and dogs alike. Potty bag dispensers. Plenty of green grass and room to play. I love this space because it's enjoyable for the dogs and the surrounding garden is beautiful. There is also a basketball court and frisbee right next to it. It also has a good sized parking lot for easy access. I would highly recommend paying a visit when you can. read more

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I like this dog park because it is walking distance. I used to take my pug here a lot but every time I'm here there are larger dogs. My dog interacts better with humans than dogs and most of all the big dogs like to pick on him. This park would be nice if they divided the park into small dogs and larger dogs. The grass isn't bad--there are some patchy parts. Most of the time I'm here the owners have been friendly and talkative. It's nice to talk dogs with other dog lovers. This is a nice park too because I feel like not that many people know about it and it's sorta hidden. The parking is easy and convenient. There is a Frisbee Golf Course and half court basketball court. If you live close by this isn't a bad dog part at all, unless you have a smaller dog. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Ninja the Pug! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

This is one of our favorite dog parks locally, and we have several to choose from near our house. We like Montiel because of its proximity, and the friendly dogs and owners who frequent this location. There is a very nice shaded/tabled area on the south side of the park for both dogs and humans...as well as a nice water fountain for both dogs and their leashed pedestrians. Important note: this dog park DOES NOT segregate large breeds from small breeds, so owners with social concerns be aware of this fact. There is a nicely grassed area to the north of the park, with plenty of shake out the leg room for restless pups. Our dogs always sleep well after a day at the park. Bonus for the owners...a really nice 9 hole disc golf course adjoins this dog park. So a nice place to spin and run fido if you so choose. The good: nice park with grass for your dog to run on The not so good: picking up poop off of the grass can be difficult depending on doggie diet, but this is small stuff compared to all the GOOD here at Montiel Park! read more

Montiel Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

It a nice park! The only thing is there is no separation big dogs must play nice with the little dogs. read more

Montiel Dog Park - My baby Beige at the dog park! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Awesome place to bring the 4 legged hairy kid. We like that the place is so large so hes got tons of running space. Its also awesome that unlike many dog parks that just leave buckets of stagnant water for them to drink, this place has a water fountain for them to drink from. There is only 2 tables for humans. Youll have to sit on the grass im afraid, hopefully you won't be confused with a fire hydrant. I am not a fan of the single enclosure. My dog is too big to play with your chihuahua. The surroundings are great. You can take a walk through the Frisbee golf course. Or shoot some hoops on the half court. read more

I actually like it! It has grass! It was recommended to us by another dog owner that couldn't visit it because they had a tiny dog and this park doesn't have separate areas for large and small dogs. It's the only enclosed park in San Marcos area that has grass! Our rather white puppy likes to get wet and then roll all over (and since she doesn't fit in the sink anymore, her park time quickly became very expensive having to visit the self dog wash for $10 every time!) so we really wanted a park with grass! The park is very spacious. We went there in a very hot day and was pleasantly surprised to see that the sitting area was shaded! How nice! Didn't have to bake in the sun while our puppy was having fun! Convenient parking right in front of the park. The people that were there were all very nice and friendly and all the dogs very well behaved. Of course I know that can change any time but during our visit - we had a great experience. The grass was nice, fresh and well kept. I know how hard that can be with all the dogs peeing on it. Plenty of water fountains and bowls provided for the dogs (and the owners). Overall - everything you could ask for in a dog park - this place had it. Giving it only 4 stars for 2 reasons. 1st - because it is not "little dog" friendly. We have a large 50 lbs 4 months old puppy, soon to become 100+ lbs dog and we don't mind the big dogs. But the person that recommended us the park said "I can't take my 5-6lbs dog there! It has no separate area for the small dogs, and the big ones are not always friendly with the little ones." 2nd - there was a weird lady there. She said she was not a dog owner, her dog died few years ago but still - she liked to visit the park very often and just stare at the dogs. Ooook then. I found that a bit weird. The lady drove a nice car and didn't look like someone that couldn't afford a dog. Just sitting there, asking questions about the dogs, then writing notes on a piece of paper (could have been anything, I know! but still...). Kinda reminded me of a weirdo hanging at a park full of kids and staring at them... a bit freaky. But it takes all kinds I guess... Every crazy person has their trick. Some have a whole program! Bottom line - if you own a medium or large dog and don't mind the weird lady - you will love this park. But if you are an "ankle biter" owner (no hard feelings! Most of them are super sweet!) - you might wanna think twice before visiting this place. Might not be very safe for your little ones. Which is too bad! They all deserve a nice place to play... read more

I love this dog park! The people are so welcoming. It's a nice dog park with well maintained grass, which is hard to come across in these areas! Come in the morning or evening if you want your pup to play with others! read more

Montiel Dog Park - My pup and I love this park! It's a little farther than I'd hope for but there's almost always dogs here in the morning and evening! - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Do not go after 4PM way too many dogs and owners looking at cell phones. Otherwise, a really awesome park to you to meet fellow dog owners and have your dog worked out read more

Beautiful place I found on yelp, its a little bit of a drive from my neighborhood but on those days I feel like skipping the walk this will be the place to go. Maintained very nicely, beautiful area and good, friendly dog owners when I went. I will make this a regular place to go now. Indie gives it both paws up. read more

Finally a dog park in San Marcos that has grass! There is only one area so all pups big and small are grouped together. The park is a very short drive from the 78fwy off of Nordahl. Not sure it gets that busy if you are looking for furry friends to play with your pup. There are two benches with some shade for those summer days and three benches out in the sun. There are also two cleanup stations and a doggie water fountain. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Saturday afternoon - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Not too bad of a dog park. I don't mind it too much. The people and dogs are usually really good here. Every now and then you get the un-neutered male dog who likes to hump the females and the owner doesn't do anything (not sure why) but other than that I like it. The only downside is no lights or anything so you end up having to leave before it gets dark... and during winter time that's pretty early. It's right next to a small park, basketball hoops and frisbee golf. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Took a couple of pictures with my phone. There's covered seating for us, although the dogs like to sit on the tables haha - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I got a new dog just over a week ago and have taken him here everyday since then. I've had no problems with ANY of the dog owners. We're all alike and simply love dogs! Yes, all sizes of dogs play along here but I've noticed big dogs play with dogs their size and the small ones do the same. There's one main water faucet and two bowls to fill with water. Most dog owners offer to turn on the faucet each time any dog needs to drink even if its not their dog. I like this park a lot and so will you! read more

I have 2 dogs about 60lbs and when we pulled up to the gate I was very disappointed. It's really small and only one area for all dogs. There were about 5 dogs in there already but all were very small. So we decided to just walk around instead. But the rest of the park is under construction...so it was a very short walk. On the positive side it is well maintained and had benches to sit on and also had grass which would have been nice instead of all dirt like most places. read more

Wonderful clean park in a beautiful area!! I wish my dog wasnt so rowdy with other dogs so he could play with them... we just have to stand at distance to appreciate this perfect little dog park. read more

I come here everyday w my dog. there is a decent amount of grass and not so much mud which is the nice thing about this park. they have a dog bowl that he holes at the bottom so it's always clean water. Everyone is really great about watching their dog and i've personally never seen dogs be aggressive towards one another. i highly recommend visiting this park and letting your puppy dogs play! read more

I don't know too much about dog parks yet but this one seems pretty nice and from what I've heard, it's the only one around that has shade trees and grass. Plus it seems pretty clean and the people I've met there seem to be really nice and watch their dogs quite well. read more

Montiel Dog Park - Pups a playin - Dog Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Nice park! Easy parking right out front. One area for both large/small dogs. Not too big. Hasn't ever been that many dogs while I was there but still nice read more

Cool dog park and way better than Mayflower IMO. Most people here are super friendly. I definitely will miss coming here as I am moving to San Elijo and the park there is WAY smaller. Park has plenty of dog bags to pick up their poops and it's well fenced. read more

Clean, safe, and friendly people. There always seems to be a decent amount of people at the dog park and everyone seems nice. There is a huge frisbee golf course attached to the park, also if you lose your frisbee over the fence it is a good chance it's on my property so hit me up and I'll get it for you. read more

A.W.F.U.L!!! this park is dirty and gross. dog feces randomly in all parts of the grass. very unpleasant if you have an intentions of playing with your dog at the dog park. unfriendly dog owners. NO LEASHES. granted we have small dogs. But they hated this place more than getting their vaccines at the vet!! if you have small dogs, do not bring them here! it's grass/dirt but since the grass is covered in poop not picked up by the owners might as well stay on the dirt. will never come again to the dog park. but the overall park area is nice, has a basketball court and a dirt path that you can walk your dog on a leash. read more

I've been checking out dog parks with my dog, and this one is my favorite so far. It's a nice size area, covered in clean grass, with a few trees, and has both a watering station for dogs and a drinking fountain for humans. The people I met were quite nice and their dogs were well behaved (although one has to understand that with ANY dog park, one might meet people or dogs that one doesn't like). They have large and small dogs together. Luckily, my large dog likes small dogs. If yours doesn't, be a responsible owner and put your dog on a leash when a small one arrives. Or a muzzle (basket style, which is safer because s/he can pant and drink water, and thus avoid heat stroke). I know people don't often use those; I think they're underutilized, really. A muzzle doesn't mean your dog is a bad dog, it just means the owner is cautious. read more